Gemotions

He felt a sudden urge to flee, to disappear into the nearest shadow. His palms were slick with perspiration, and his throat felt constricted. He tugged at his tie, suddenly wishing he had chosen something less formal.

He glanced at his father, sitting at the head table, his face radiating contentment. He had to be strong for his dad. He had to. But the churning in his stomach made it difficult to form even a coherent thought.

The speaker ahead of him began to wind down, his words becoming a meaningless drone. Then, the emcee announced his name. He stood, his legs shaky. He took a deep, forced breath and walked towards the microphone, hoping against hope that he could pull it together.